Let's Cook Together Comes Together!

You might think of cooking as an activity for one — maybe two if you’re sharing a kitchen space. But that couldn’t be further from the truth for our older adult program.

Let’s Cook Together took the virtual world of the pandemic, mixed it with the comradery of cooking, and got a warm and encouraging way for folks to learn new cooking skills in the comfort of their own home. For maximum accessibility, Gayle sends participants a copy of the recipe a full week in advanced. The novice cooking students then have plenty of time to go shopping for ingredients or even make a go of the dish before each class.

But on March 22, Gayle and Abby brought the digital cooking class to Ironworks to make veggie peanut butter Pad Thai.

The UW-med student chefs asked attendees who were up to the task of chopping to join them at the front tables where they all helped make the dish's sauce. While they chopped and prepped, many noted how nice it was to get to know the chefs in person. The late afternoon event seemed especially warm and friendly after spending weeks in separate kitchens.

The final dish was delicious, of course, and there was plenty to go around.

As folks enjoyed their homemade Pad Thai, they were given a “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” style presentation on nutrition facts that could be used to make the most of every shopping trip. Some of the tips and fun facts included:

• A peanut butter and jelly sandwich on whole grain bread is considered a complete protein.
• You don’t have to eat food combinations at the same time in order to reap the nutritional benefits.
• Dried edamame is a great source of protein, fiber and other nutrients. Frozen edamame has slightly less nutrients but makes for a great protein packed dinner starter.
• Allergic to nuts? Chia seeds, flax seeds, Brussel sprouts and fish are great ways to increase your heart healthy omega-3s.
• Omega-3s can help relieve symptoms of depression.

Missed the in-person demo? Let’s Cook Together will return in May in its digital form. You can register by contacting our Older Adult Manager, Gayle using the information below.

You can make the same peanut butter Pad Thai at home using this recipe!